Emergency notification apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A system, apparatus and method for alerting an emergency responder to an emergency, which includes a processor obtaining data from at least one sensor, determining, that the data indicates an emergency condition, based on the determining, obtaining location information and a unique identifier, and communicating the location information and the unique identifier to a node via a network connection.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/062,948, filed Mar. 7, 2016, entitled “EmergencyNotification Apparatus and Method,” which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/227,493, filed Mar. 27, 2014, entitled“Emergency Notification Apparatus,” which claims priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/805,573, filed Mar. 27, 2013,entitled, “Avalanche Ready (SVR) System,” which are all herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The Invention relates generally to an apparatus and method to alertemergency services personnel to a need for assistance. The use of thissystem can be configured for use in geographic regions that are sparselypopulated that feature uneven terrain as well as in densely populatedurban environments, and/or outdoor recreation areas.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Many pastimes can require individuals to explore isolated terrain, thusleaving these individuals stranded in the event of an unforeseenemergency, such as a medical emergency and/or weather-related hazard.For example, in the winter, many outdoor sports come with the risk ofthe participant being injured and possibly stranded in calamitous events(e.g., avalanches).

In fact, millions of people throughout the world enjoy outdooractivities that expose them to the perils of snow-related accidents.Every year many avid outdoor sportsmen and women are victimized bysnow-related disasters associated with unanticipated avalanches.Although great efforts are dedicated toward pre-emptive control ofpotential avalanches, backcountry and on-piste skiers, off-piste skiers,snowboarders, snowshoers, mountaineers, hikers and snowmobilers fallvictim to the perils of being buried by avalanches.

In most cases, there are precious minutes available to the timelylocation and rescue of avalanche victims, particularly when they areincapacitated physically by being buried and unable to move or breatheor rendered unconscious. Timely search and rescue of avalanche victimsis essential if lives are to be saved.

A disadvantage of present systems and methods is that they are onlyoperational if the person with the emergency device, for example, theposition-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), is conscious and is physicallyable to activate the device.

In addition to well-trained and equipped and experiencedsearch-and-rescue teams, present methods of avalanche rescue utilize amulti-faceted approach, and sometimes combine known methods, whichinclude avalanche cords, beacons, probes, shovels, and the RECCO rescuesystem. The RECCO system is a two-part system, which includes a rescueteam with hand-held devices, which detect “reflectors,” which are smallpassive transponders, which can be affixed to outerwear, boots, helmetsand other types of body-protection components of individuals.

Another search tool that is utilized often in conjunction with RECCO, isavalanche beacons. In use since 2000, avalanche beacons are devices wornby individuals who activate a radio signal indicating an emergency. Theradio-emitting beacon is picked up by rescue transceivers, using adigital display, thus helping to locate the victim within a reasonablytight range of location. However, this system requires that the victimbe conscious and physically capable of activating the beacon-emittingsignal apparatus.

A challenge of present methods is that they are not integrated into asingle solution. Thus, many adventurers utilize a variety of differenttools at once, in the hopes that one works in the event of an emergency.In fact, in 2010, the French National Association for the Study of Snowand Avalanches (ANENA) recommended that all off-piste skiers shouldcarry beacons, probes, shovels and RECCO reflectors. In addition to thisrecommendation, many backcountry adventurers also carry: SPOT satelliteGPS messengers, Mountain Locator Units (MLU), Personal Locator Beacons(PLB) and Globalstars.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages areprovided through the provision of a method for alerting an emergencyresponder to an emergency, the method includes: obtaining, by aprocessor, data from at least one sensor; determining, by the processor,that the data indicates an emergency condition; based on thedetermining, obtaining, by the processor, location information; based onthe determining, obtaining, by the processor, a unique identifier;communicating, by the processor, the location information and the uniqueidentifier to a node via a network connection.

Computer systems, computer program products, wearable objects, andmethods relating to one or more aspects of the technique are alsodescribed and may be claimed herein. Further, services relating to oneor more aspects of the technique are also described and may be claimedherein.

Additional features are realized through the techniques of the presentinvention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are describedin detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and objects, features, and advantages of one or moreaspects of the invention are apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a system that practices one or more aspectsof the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts aspects of an example of a sensory unit utilized in anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3I depict embodiments of aspects of garments adapted toaccommodate an embodiment of a sensory unit in accordance with at leastone aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of a single processor computingenvironment to incorporate and use one or more aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a computer program productincorporating one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts aspects of an example of a sensory unit utilized in anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts aspects of an example of a sensory unit utilized in anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts aspects of an example of a sensory unit utilized in anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an embodiment of a helmet for communication with a sensoryunit in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an embodiment of an example of an apparatus used tocommunicate with a sensory unit in an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 depicts a cloud-computing node according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 depicts a cloud-computing environment according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 13 depicts abstraction model layers according to an embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 14 depicts a workflow of aspects of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention and certain features, advantages, anddetails thereof, are explained more fully below with reference to thenon-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Descriptions of well-known materials, fabrication tools, processingtechniques, etc., are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure theinvention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detaileddescription and the specific examples, while indicating aspects of theinvention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way oflimitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/orarrangements, within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventiveconcepts will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure.

Embodiments of the present invention enable individuals who are indistress, but may or may not be conscious, to alert emergency responsepersonnel of their needs for assistance. Although the present inventioncan be utilized in emergency response situations beyondavalanche-related emergencies, this situation is referenced throughoutthe application as a possible scenario in which embodiments of thepresent invention may be utilized and are effective in providing swiftemergency response.

Embodiments of the present invention can be activated automatically toalert search and rescue personnel to the precise location of the victimusing the most current sophisticated GPS systems available.

Embodiments of the present invention utilize a combination of a sensoryunit (SU) and a location device, i.e., a device capable of obtaining thelocation of an individual and representing it in a manner that can becommunicated to emergency responders. Embodiments of the presentinvention utilize a variety of location devices, including but notlimited to one or more of a GPS transponder, an accelerometer, and/or apersonal navigation system, to provide an alert to emergency personneland to communicate information to the emergency personnel that thepersonnel can utilize in locating and rescuing an individual.

The SU is a wearable device that is assembled in a ring-likeconfiguration and contains a series of interconnected pressure sensors.These sensors are aligned to correspond with each other and thus detectcircumferential pressure loads. Once a pre-determined pressure thresholdis achieved, the device communicates with the SU, which pullscoordinates from the location device. This permits virtuallyinstantaneous transmission of information to search and rescue personneland can effect an expeditious response and rescue efforts. Inembodiments of the present invention, the location device is integratedinto the SU.

In embodiments of the present invention, once the location devicetransmits information to a network, the information can be obtained bothby the emergency responders and by a cloud-based communication system,which supplements the information from the location device withadditional information that can prove helpful in locating an individualin distress and arriving with the correct resources to make this rescue.The supplemented information is also received by rescue personnel via acommunications network. Although a cloud-based system is disclosed, theindividual components of the system, including the SU, including thelocation device, can be adapted for use with systems that do not includethe cloud-based communications system discussed, including but notlimited to, communications networks utilized in existing method ofsearch and rescue.

The SU and location device can be configured to communicate with furtherelements of a system in order to provide a more comprehensive alertsystem. For example, the SU and location device can work in conjunctionwith a helmet with integrated shock/impulse loading detection sensors,and the helmet, belt, a proprietary combined kite-parachute system,referred to herein as a karachute™, with integrated sensors, andlocation device can ultimately communicate with a cloud-hosted alertsystem that can communicate enhanced distress-related information toemergency personnel.

Although the present application discusses how the various systemelements work together, one of skill in the art will recognize that theindividual elements of the system, as well as the system as a whole, canbe configured to work with the existing emergency response systemsutilized by emergency responders.

Each element of the present system will be reviewed in the presentapplication. However, FIG. 1 provides an overview of an exemplaryinteraction between elements of an embodiment of a system that practicesone or more aspects of the present technique. In FIG. 1, the system 100includes an SU 110, which includes a location device 120, including butnot limited to a GPS and/or an accelerometer. Adapted for communicatingwith a microprocessor 115 integrated into the SU 110, are someadditional external communication devices, which include, in thispresent embodiment, one or more sensors integrated into a helmet 143,and one or more sensors integrated into the aforementioned proprietarykarachute™ 142. As will be discussed in detail later, the microprocessor115 in the SU 110 can obtain alerts and/or information from any sensorthrough known wireless and/or wired communication protocols. Uponobtaining an alert and/or information that program code executed by themicroprocessor 115 determines is problematic, the microprocessor 115, byexecuting program code, will communicate with a transponder 117, whichwill communicate with a communication node 140, such as an antenna. Thenode 140 routes this communication over a network 145 to at least oneterminal 150 accessible by an emergency responder.

Embodiments of the present invention may concurrently communicate thisinformation, and identification information from the SU, to acloud-based system 155 that will supplement the identificationinformation and/or the geographic information utilizing informationstored in one or more cloud-based memory resources 160. The supplementalinformation is routed, by program code executed by one or moreprocessors 165 in the cloud-based system 155, to the at least oneterminal 150 accessible to the emergency responder. In some embodimentsof the present invention, the node 140 will route the information fromthe SU 110 to the terminal 150 and the cloud-based system 155concurrently, while in some embodiments, the information may go to theterminal 150, then to the cloud-based system 155, where it issupplemented, and then back to the terminal 150. In some embodiments,the information from the SU 110, including the location andidentification information, may be routed by the node 140, first, to thecloud-based system 155, where it is supplemented, and then, to theterminal 150.

The microprocessor 115 in the SU 110 is configured to obtain informationand alerts from sensors that are both internal and external to the SU110, via a receiver 116 and communicate this information via atransponder (or transmitter) 117, to a node 140. In an embodiment of thepresent invention, sensors are integrated into the SU 110, into anexternal karachute™, and into an external helmet. Embodiments of thishelmet and karachute™ are discussed in this application. These externalitems are offered as examples as depending upon the activity in whichthe wearer of the SU is engaged, the detection of sensors in differentareas will prove helpful in alerting emergency responders to a conditionthat requires a response.

Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment of the present invention the SU200 comprises a belt-like device that can be wrapped around anindividual and be activated by a non-obtrusive fastening device 230. Thefastening device may include buckles, snaps, etc., or any mechanismknown in the art that is adapted to close a belt. This fastening device230 may be designed to accommodate a battery used to power the SU 200,for example, a rechargeable battery (not pictured).

In order to detect extrinsic pressure loads placed on the chest of anindividual, the SU 200 can be positioned circumferentially about thethoracic region of the body (i.e., chest) of the wearer. This placementwould enable the SU 200 to passively detect loads placed on the chest ofthe wearer that would compromise the ability of the victim to breathe.In an embodiment of the present invention, the SU 200 can be integratedinto the clothing of the wearer, for example, it can be passed through apocket-like lining or sleeve in the user's garment (e.g., ski jacket).In addition to being threaded through a sleeve in a garment, asdiscussed in FIGS. 3A-3I, the SU may be integrated directly into agarment 393, for example, by being sewn or otherwise affixed into a baselayer of a garment, such as a shirt.

FIGS. 3A-3I depict embodiments of aspects of garments adapted toaccommodate an SU 200. FIG. 3A shows the positioning of an SU 200 withina garment 393, which in this example, is a jacket. For ease ofunderstanding, the SU 200 is referred to by the same number in FIGS.3A-3I, as in FIG. 2. FIGS. 3A-3I provide some examples of integrationsof the SU 200 into clothing. For ease of understanding, in a number ofthe figures, the garment 393 is labeled consistently. The SU 200 wouldnot be visible (externally) to an individual observing someone wearingthis garment 393.

FIG. 3B depicts the same garment 393 as FIG. 3A, but from a differentperspective. In FIG. 3B, the garment 393 is shown with the closure openso that the SU 200 is visible. The SU 200 is secured inside the garment393 with a panel of material 310, which it is threaded through, as wellas at least two belt loops 320 a-320 b.

FIGS. 3C-3I depict different ways of securing the SU within a garment393.

In FIG. 3C, material is folded over the SU 110, and the sleeve 330 issecured at the top, for example, with Velcro.

In FIG. 3D, the SU 200 is secured using textile loops 340 a-340 e, whichthe SU 200 is threaded through.

In FIG. 3E, the garment (not pictured) is outfitted with snaps 350 andthe SU 200 has at least one strap 360 affixed to it with snaps 370 a-370n that will connect with the snaps 350 on the garment.

FIG. 3F shoes a tri-fold sleeve 365 used to secure the SU 200 within agarment.

FIG. 3G shows the SU 200 being secured inside a garment with acombination of loops 375 a-375 b and a sleeve 380, which is similar tothe sleeve 330 in FIG. 3C.

FIGS. 3H depicts a sleeve 392 with a zipper 391 oriented horizontallyalong the center of the sleeve 392, inside a garment 393, securing an SU200. In another embodiment, FIG. 3I depicts a sleeve 394 similar to thesleeve 392 in FIG. 3H, but, in FIG. 3I, a zipper 395 is oriented at thetop of the sleeve 394 where the top of the SU 200 is aligned wheninserted into this sleeve 394.

Returning to FIG. 2, the embodiment of FIG. 2 includes four sensors,however this number is one example of a possible configuration for anembodiment of the apparatus. This document also describes a six-sensorconfiguration, as seen in FIG. 6. This, too, is also an example of anembodiment of the present invention. Based upon some uses of the SU 200,the SU 200 can comprise two or more sensors. Uses that utilize two ormore sensors include off-piste skiing. However, as will be describedlater, some embodiments of the SU do not include any sensors.

Returning to FIG. 2, in some embodiments of the present invention, theSU 200 is also equipped with a manually-operated button 270 foractivation by a surviving victim in the event that they are notincapacitated or unconscious. As seen in FIG. 2, the manually-operatedbutton 270 can be located on the fastening device 230 at the front andcenter of the user's thoracic region. Some embodiments of the SU 200include a manually-operated button 270, but do not include sensors.

In some embodiments of the present invention, integrated into the SU200, for example at the closure in close proximity to themanually-operated button 270, is a user-identification device 280,including but not limited to, a memory chip, RFID tag, etc. Thisidentification device can assist receiving party(s) (e.g.,search-and-rescue personnel, ski patrol, ski resort emergency responseteams, etc.) in identifying the distressed victim expeditiously. Inembodiments of the present invention, the identification device can alsoassist rescue personnel in identifying pertinent medical conditionsand/or needs associated with the distressed victim.

As aforementioned, in an embodiment of the present invention, the SU 200is comprised of interconnected pressure sensors that are preconfiguredto communicate with a location device, to receive location information,when the pressure on a predetermined number of the sensors 220 a-220 dexceeds a preconfigured threshold. An embodiment of the presentinvention utilizes one or more FlexiForce Pressure Sensors, however, anycommercial or custom sensor may be integrated into the SU provided thatit is capable of detecting pressure loads. The FlexiForce PressureSensor is mentioned as an example because it can detect constant andconsistent loads. However, this embodiment is a non-limiting example.

Each sensor 220 a-220 d in the SU 200 can be individuallycommunicatively coupled to a microcontroller (not pictured) that is alsointegrated into the SU. As seen in FIG. 2, the microcontroller 210 actsas a communications hub for the components of the SU. Themicrocontroller 210 includes one or more integrated circuits thatinclude(s) a processor core, memory, and programmable input/outputperipherals. The sensors 220 a-220 d are configured to sensecircumferential pressure loads, i.e., extrinsic loads/forces placedaround at least most of the user's thoracic region. A transponder 217may be integrated into the microcontroller 210 or external to themicrocontroller, and program code executed by a processing resource(also referred to as the processor) in the microcontroller 210communicates information to the transponder 217, which communicates thisinformation externally, for example, to the node 140 in FIG. 1.

Additionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, a receiver 216can be integrated into the SU to receive information, such as alerts,from external devices. For example, the receiver 216 enables themicrocontroller 210 to receive distress signals from triggers and/orsensors in the aforementioned karachute™ and/or helmet. Additionally,should an individual become unconscious, and/or buried under snow in anavalanche, rescue personnel could obtain information about theindividual by sending a signal, such as an RF signal, to the receiver216 in the SU 200 and this receiver could communicate with themicrocontroller 210, enabling program code executed by themicrocontroller 210 to send identifying information stored on a memoryresource in the SU to the rescue personnel via the transponder 217.

Sensors integrated into embodiment of the SU 200 can include both smartsensors, with digital capabilities, as well as analog sensors, that areduty cycled by the microcontroller 210. The program code executed on aprocessor in the microcontroller 210 communicates with the sensors indifferent ways depending on the type of sensors. For example, while asmart sensor can communicate that a threshold is exceeded to themicrocontroller 210, an analogue sensor can be continuously cycled andread by program code executed on the microcontroller 210 and thisprogram code can determine, based on the readings, whether a thresholdis exceeded. In a further embodiment of the present invention, thesensors 220 a-220 d remain dormant until they are exposed to pressure ata pre-configured threshold. When the sensors 220 a-220 d receive therequisite amount of pressure, the program code executed on themicrocontroller 210 obtains information from the sensors 220 a-220 d.This information may comprise an alert. Embodiments of the presentinvention where the sensors remain dormant until triggered conserve thepower source (e.g., battery) and enable the SU to work for longerperiods of time without the need to recharge or replace the powersource.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computer resource 400, likemicrocontroller 210, which is part of the technical architecture ofcertain embodiments of the invention. The resource 400 may include acircuitry 402 that may in certain embodiments include a microprocessor404. The computer system 400 may also include a memory 406 (e.g., avolatile memory device), and storage 408. The storage 408 may include anon-volatile memory device (e.g., EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM,flash, firmware, programmable logic, etc.), magnetic disk drive, opticaldisk drive, tape drive, etc. The storage 408 may comprise an internalstorage device, an attached storage device and/or a network accessiblestorage device. The system 400 may include a program logic 410 includingcode 412 that may be loaded into the memory 406 and executed by themicroprocessor 404 or circuitry 402.

In certain embodiments, the program logic 410 including code 412 may bestored in the storage 408, or memory 406. In certain other embodiments,the program logic 410 may be implemented in the circuitry 402.Therefore, while FIG. 4 shows the program logic 410 separately from theother elements, the program logic 410 may be implemented in the memory406 and/or the circuitry 402.

Using the processing resources of a resource 400 to execute software,computer-readable code or instructions, does not limit where this codeis can be stored. The terms program logic, code, and software are usedinterchangeably throughout this application.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one example, a computer program product 500includes, for instance, one or more non-transitory computer readablestorage media 502 to store computer readable program code means or logic504 thereon to provide and facilitate one or more aspects of thetechnique.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of thetechnique may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the technique may take the form of anentirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,aspects of the technique may take the form of a computer program productembodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computerreadable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable signalmedium may include a propagated data signal with computer readableprogram code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of acarrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety offorms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical or anysuitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may beany computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storagemedium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program foruse by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatusor device.

A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limitedto, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared orsemiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combinationof the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of thecomputer readable storage medium include the following: an electricalconnection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, ahard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), anerasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), anoptical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), anoptical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, acomputer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that cancontain or store a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing an appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thetechnique may be written in any combination of one or more programminglanguages, including an object oriented programming language, such asJava, Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language, assembleror similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirelyon one computer resource in the system, partly on this one computerresource, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the computerresource and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remotecomputer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may beconnected to the noted computer resource through any type of network,including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), orthe connection may be made to an external computer (for example, throughthe Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Aspects of the technique are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions, also referred to as computer programcode, may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operationalsteps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus orother devices to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/actsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the technique. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Returning to FIG. 2, when one or more of the sensors 220 a-220 d in theSU are triggered by sensing pressure at a given threshold, the sensor(s)communicate with the microcontroller 210, which processes the output ofthe sensors 220 a-220 d. Program code executed by the microcontrollerand either stored on a memory resource of the microcontroller, oraccessible to the microcontroller via a communications connection, suchas a wireless network, is executed by one or more processors in themicrocontroller to configure a pressure threshold for the SU. Thethreshold utilized by the microcontroller can vary in accordance withthe size of the individual wearing the SU and/or the physical activitythat the individual is engaged in while wearing the SU.

In addition to the load required to trigger the sensor, the amount oftime that this load is sustained is also configurable. For example, anembodiment of the present invention may require the extrinsic pressureexperienced at a sensor to be sustained for a predefined amount of timein order to trigger a signal. The amount of time pressure is sustainedto trigger the microcontroller to communicate a distress call can bedefined in the computer code executed at the microcontroller by one ormore processors, by one or more of the sensors, and/or in a memorydevice accessible to the program code. For example, in an embodiment ofthe present invention, the SU may require a given number of sensors tosense consistent pressure around the thoracic region for 30 secondsbefore an alert signal is triggered.

In addition to the amount of pressure and the length of time thispressure is sustained to trigger the microcontroller to initiate thelater-described process to call for assistance for the wearer of the SU,the number of sensors in the belt that are activated in order to meet athreshold is also configurable. For example, an embodiment like that ofFIG. 2, which includes four sensors, may require consistent pressurearound the thoracic region to activate at least 2 of 4 pressure sensors.In another embodiment of the SU 600 in FIG. 6, which utilizes sixsensors, the activation of at least 3 of the 6 pressure sensors may berequired before an alert is initiated by the microcontroller.

In embodiments of the present invention, to maintain a level of safety,the pressure threshold of the SU is not configurable by an individualuser, but it is configurable by manufacturers. To set a threshold, themanufacturer can connect an input device to the microcontroller and loadprogram code that can be executed by a processor in the microcontroller.In an embodiment of the present invention, when a customer purchases anSU, the SU will have been calibrated in advance to a specific minimumthreshold.

As explained earlier, the way that the program code executed by themicrocontroller determines the pressure on the sensor(s) satisfies apre-configured threshold can be dependent upon the type of functionalityof the sensors utilized in the SU. For example, while an active sensorcould notify the microcontroller upon a triggering event, program codeexecuted on the microcontroller would duty cycle passive sensors tocheck for readings that exceed the pre-configured thresholds.

Program code executed by the microcontroller can configure theindividual sensors in the SU that are communicatively coupled to themicrocontroller. For example, FlexiForce Pressure Sensors, which are anon-limiting example of a type of sensor that can be utilized in an SU,may have a variety of pre-determined maximum thresholds (e.g., 25 lbs,50 lbs, 100 lbs, etc.), which can then be configured to a specificthreshold by the program code executed by the microcontroller.

Returning to FIG. 2, an arrangement of the pressure sensors 220 a-220 dis depicted to show an orientation adapted to sense pressure when the SU200 is worn around the thoracic region of the wearer. Two of the sensors220 a-220 b, are oriented at the front of the SU, when worn as a belt bythe wearer, and two 220 c-220 d of the sensors, are oriented on the backof the belt, when worn. In an embodiment of the present invention, inorder to trigger an alert, i.e., in order for the program code executedby one or more processors in the microcontroller to obtain informationfrom the sensors that would cause the program code to initiate an alert,at least two of the four sensors 220 a-220 d sense a pre-defined amountof pressure for a pre-defined amount of time. The configuration ofsensors that can trigger the microcontroller to communicate with a node140, such as that in FIG. 1, is adapted on different embodiments of thepresent invention in order to accommodate problems experienced by thewearer related to different activities. Embodiments of the inventionthat meet the described pressure thresholds, by obtaining informationfrom two sensors, that are located one at the front of the wearer, andthe other, at the back of the wearer, are designed to trigger themicrocontroller to communicate an issue when the breathing of the wearermay be constricted.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, only certain combinations of the sensors220 a-220 d will trigger the alert. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, two sensors positioned on the same side of the belt, e.g.,first sensor pair 250 a, sensor 220 a and sensor 220 c, and/or secondpair, sensor 250 b pair sensor 220 b and sensor 220 d, when activatedtogether for a given amount of time at a given pressure, would triggeran alert (in communication with the microcontroller as described). In anembodiment of the present invention, two sensors oriented diagonallyfrom each other would also trigger an alert under the conditionsdescribed, e.g., third sensor pair 250 c, sensor 220 a and sensor 220 d,and/or fourth sensor pair 250 d, sensor 220 b and sensor 220 c. In theembodiment of FIG. 2, if the two rear-oriented sensors, sensor 220 d and220 c, or just the two front-oriented sensors, sensor 220 a and sensor220 b, experience the threshold pressure for the threshold amount oftime, the program code will not initiate an alert.

FIG. 6 is an SU 600 with six sensors 620 a-620 f. Like the embodiment ofthe SU 100 in FIG. 1, the embodiment of the SU 600 in FIG. 6, comprisestwo sensors oriented towards the front of a wearer, a first sensor 620 aand a second sensor 620 b, and two sensors oriented toward the rear of awear, a third sensor 620 c and a fourth sensor 620 d. However, this SU600 also includes two additional sensors which are oriented at the sideof a wearer, a fifth sensor 620 e and a sixth sensor 620 f. In thisembodiment of the present invention, at least three of the six sensorscan trigger an alert, by the program code executed by one or moreprocessors in the microcontroller (not pictured). However, in someembodiments of the present invention, only certain combinations of threesensors can trigger an alert. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 6requires that the three sensors that trigger an alert include one sensorpositioned on the front of the SU 600, one sensor positioned at the rearof the belt, and one sensor positioned on a side of the belt.

When program code executed by one or more processors in themicrocontroller obtains information that the threshold number of sensorshave sensed pressure in accordance with the pre-configured conditions,program code executed by a processing resource in the microcontrollerpulls information from the location device, and communicates with thetransponder to alert (ultimately) emergency personnel over acommunications network. This communication is described in reference toFIG. 1.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure sensors on theSU are in constant communication with the microcontroller as the programcode receives continuous pressure readings from each sensor at aconfigurable rate, for example, one reading per sensor per second,and/or one reading per sensor per every five seconds. These intervalwindows are offered as an example as the window between readings, asaforementioned, is configurable. Thus, it is the program code executedby one or more processors in the microcontroller that determines when athreshold for sending an alert has been met based on the pressurereadings obtained. In a further embodiment of the present invention,each sensor communicates with the microcontroller when a pre-configuredthreshold is exceeded.

Returning to FIG. 2, as aforementioned, in addition to the pressuresensors 220 a-220 d, embodiments of the present invention may include amanually-operated button 270. In an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent invention, this manually-operated button 270 is coupled to themicrocontroller and when the manually-operated button 270 is depressedfor a predefined amount of time, the program code executed on themicrocontroller obtains an alert. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, after the user manually depresses the button for a firstamount of time, for example, three seconds, the manually-operated button270 generates an audio/vibration/buzzer alert, which acts as feedback tothe user that an alert signal may be sent and obtained by themicrocontroller. Should the user continue to depress themanually-operated button 270 for a second time period, for example, twoseconds, the alert is only then obtained by the microcontroller. Asaforementioned, embodiments of the present invention may include amanually-operated button 270 but do not include pressure sensors 220a-220 d.

The amount of false positives generated by the system can be controlledin different ways in different embodiments of the present invention. Insome embodiments of the present invention, the manually-operated button270 can be configured to send an alert only if depressed a certainamount of time. In further embodiments of the present invention, theconditions for program code executed at the microcontroller to determinewhether the readings from the pressure sensors should trigger an alertcan be configured.

Should an embodiment of the present invention include both amanually-operated button 270 and passive sensors 220 a-220 d, thesedevices are communicatively coupled to the microcontroller, which iscoupled to a power supply, all located in the SU 200.

The microcontroller is powered by a power supply that includes at leastone battery. In embodiments of the present invention, one or morebatteries can be situated either in the belt buckle and/or in the rearportion of the belt. Alternate embodiments of the present invention mayintegrate more than one battery into the SU in order to provide backuppower. The power supply, whether it includes one or more batteries,and/or one or more solar cells, is electrically coupled to themicrocontroller in the SU.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of certain aspects of an embodiment of an SU. FIG. 7is an embodiment of the fastening portion and/or buckle of an SU. Thefastening portion 700 includes a microcontroller 710, an externalcommunication device 720, for example, a transmitter or a transponder, alocation device 730, including but not limited to a GPS and/or anaccelerometer, a power source 740, including but not limited to a one ormore batteries or solar cells, and a display 750, including but notlimited to, an LED and/or an LED array.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the display 750, which is observable by thewearer of the SU, indicates the power remaining in the power source 740.The power source 740 powers the location device 730 and/or themicrocontroller 710, and/or the communication device 720. Themicrocontroller 710 includes a memory resource 760, including but notlimited to internal memory and/or a flash drive. The memory resource 760contains a unique identifier.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the program codeexecuted by a processor in the microcontroller 710 obtains anotification indicating either that the threshold has been met on thepre-defined number of sensors (not pictured), and/or a manually operatedbutton (not pictured) has been depressed by the user, program codeexecuted by a processing resource in the microcontroller 710 obtainslocation information from location device 730, pulls the identifier fromthe memory resource 760, and sends this information to the communicationdevice 720, for transmission to a node of a communications network.

Regarding the power source 740, depending upon the activities the SU isworn during, certain batteries may provide important advantages. Forexample, when the SU is utilized to communicate a hazard experienced bya user that was created by an avalanche, rechargeable lithium ionbatteries are useful because these batteries last about 5 12-hour dayson a single charge, can withstand cold temperatures and moisture, andcome in compact sizes that are easily integrated into the SU (e.g.,1″×2″ sizes). For avalanche-related use, the Panasonic CR 2032 batterycan also be used in conjunction with a lithium ion battery and/or besubstituted for that battery.

Returning to FIG. 7, the fastening portion 700 depicted in this figurealso includes a connecting mechanism 770, which enables an individual toconnect the SU directly to an external computing device. This connectioncan be utilized to upload new program code into the microcontroller 710,to recharge the power source 740, diagnose issues with themicrocontroller 710, and collect data from the SU by interacting withthe microcontroller. Standard communication ports such as USB ports andmini-USB ports can be utilized in various embodiments of the presentinvention.

To provide protection for the power source when the SU is underpressure, the power source can be contained in a molded housing. In someembodiments of the present invention, the housing is molded toaccommodate the power source, the microcontroller, and the connectingmechanism 770, for example, a USB connector. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, a flap of a malleable and durable material, includingbut not limited to, rubber, and/or silicone, covers the USB port, whichserved as the connecting mechanism 770, in this embodiment, and can bemoved in order to provide access to the USB connector for rechargingpurposes. In this embodiment, when not in use, the USB port can becovered by the flap in order to ensure water resistance.

Returning to FIG. 2, in an embodiment of the present invention, in orderto enable the SU 200, the fastening device 230 is engaged.

As seen in FIG. 8, a micro-switch 810 inside the fastening device clasp820, when engaged, activates the SU 800. Once the fastening buckle issecurely closed, permitting the male/female electrodes in thecorresponding buckle ends to complete the electrical circuit, the SU 800is activated. This coupling will activate the aforementioned display830, providing visual confirmation of the SU 800 activation. In anembodiment of the present invention, the display 830 alerts the userthat the device is enabled and how much power is left in the powersupply. In this embodiment, when the micro-switch is triggered, switchesinside the fastening device engage and turn on the device and LED lights830 display the current battery life on the fastening device.

Returning to FIG. 2, in some embodiments of the present invention, thefastening device 230 may include a method of turning the SU 200 onand/or off, including but not limited to, an ON/OFF switch, a button, atrigger, etc. In an embodiment of the invention that includes thisswitch, rather than engaging the fastening device 230 alone to engagethe system, the user turns ON the belt via the ON/OFF switch in orderfor it to be able to detect pressure loads and send alert signal. Thus,in some embodiments of the present invention, enabling the SU 200 is atwo step process, first, the fastening device 230 in engaged, andsecond, the ON/OFF switch is engaged.

Returning to FIG. 8, an example of the ON/OFF switch 840 is pictured inthis figure as well.

Embodiments of the present invention that require a wearer to manuallyturn the SU 200 on after first engaging the fastening device 230 presentan advantage to the wearer because by requiring a wearer to enable thefastening device 230, the amount of false positives can be diminished.

As part of the SU itself, the fastening device can be concealed in aspecially-adapted insert in a garment 393, as noted in FIGS. 3A-3I.Thus, the device, and the SU itself, would be almost unnoticeable to theuser when he/she wears the SU.

Per the discussion accompanying FIG. 1, the SU 110 can receive signalsfrom sensors and triggers external to the SU 110, including but notlimited to, a helmet 143, and a karachute™ 142. FIG. 9 is an embodimentof a helmet for communication with the SU 110 and FIG. 10 is anembodiment of a karachute™ 142.

As seen in FIG. 9, an embodiment of a helmet 900 for use with thepresent invention includes both heat sensors and shock/pressure sensors.The configuration of these sensors in FIG. 9 is meant as an example asdepending upon the activity that the wearer of the SU is engaged in,different sensor configurations as well as in different helmet shapescan be advantageous. For example, embodiments of the helmet adapted forskiing may vary from those adapted for riding a snowmobile, motorcycle,and/or bicycle. The heat sensors receive a given threshold of heat inorder for the helmet to be active. The heat threshold prevents themicrocontroller in the SU from receiving alerts from the helmet 900 whenthe helmet 900 is not in use, i.e., being worn. The shock/pressuresensors can be either passive sensors or active sensors, or acombination of both. When a shock/pressure threshold is met, the programcode executed by a processor in the microcontroller in the SU willreceive this information from the sensors in the helmet 900. Themicrocontroller receives this information in embodiments of the presentinvention via a receiver in the SU. Upon receipt of a notification fromone or more sensors, the microcontroller will obtain locationinformation from the location device, and/or identification informationfrom the memory resource, and communicate via a transponder with anexternal node, as described earlier. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, the program code executed by the microcontroller in the SUobtains information from the sensors in the helmet via a transceiver 810in the helmet.

FIG. 10 depicts an apparatus referred to earlier as a karachute™ 1000,which is a combined kite-parachute system that protects its wearerduring catastrophic natural events, such as an avalanche. As seen inFIG. 10, the karachute™ 1000 includes a folded kite-parachute apparatusthat is integrated into a backpack 1020. This backpack 1020 is worn byan individual.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the wearer senses anemergency condition, for example, an avalanche beneath his/her skis orsnowboard, the wearer pulls an activation draw cord, which causes thebackpack 1020 to deploy a kite 1030 and a parachute 1040 and tocommunicate with the SU. This activation is a three-stage process: 1) acanopy kite 1030 is deployed from the backpack 1020 to provide thewearer with lift and ability to float over the subjacent avalanche; 2) aparachute 1040 is deployed from the backpack 1020 to slow the movementof the wearer; 3) the draw cord activates a sensor in the karachute™(not pictured), which communicates with a receiver in the SU.

When the SU receives an alert from the karachute™ 1000, program codeexecuted by a processor in the microcontroller can communicate with anexternal node, as described in FIG. 1.

As discussed earlier, when program code executed by a processor in themicrocontroller determines that predefined threshold conditions havebeen met based on data obtained from the sensors and/or when themicrocontroller receives an indicator from the manually-operated button,program code executing one or more processors in the microcontrollercommunicates wirelessly with the location device to initiate an alertthat can be responded to by emergency response personnel.

In an embodiment of the present invention, once the microcontroller hascommunicated with the transmitter, the location device is able tocommunicate via a communications network with emergency personnel and toa cloud-based system, as described in FIG. 1.

In embodiments of the present invention, the transponder or othercommunication device (in response to program code executed by aprocessing resource in the microcontroller) in the SU communicates witha node exterior to the SU, which communicates with a terminal accessedby an emergency responder, and then communicates with a cloud-basedcommunication system, which includes at least one memory resource.Program code executed in the cloud-based communication system receivesthe identifier from the communications connection, either from the nodeand/or from the emergency responder's terminal, and supplements theidentifier with information about the individual wearing the SU.

In embodiments of the present invention, sensitive informationdescribing the wearer can be stored encrypted and/or transmittedencrypted in compliance with any regulations and/or best practices.

Supplemental information includes, but is not limited to, the identityof the individual, biographical and anatomical data describing theindividual, health-related data, and/or emergency contact informationrelated to individuals to contact in case this individual is indistress. In this manner, program code executing in the cloud-basedcommunication system assists emergency responders in identifying thewearer of the SU that communicated the alert so that the emergencyresponders are better prepared to assist the wearer of the SU with theemergency.

As explained earlier, the identifier is stored in the SU. This uniqueidentifier is what allows the cloud-based communication system toprovide useful information to emergency responders. In an embodiment ofthe present invention, a purchaser of an SU can access the cloud-basedcommunication system over a network connection and provide informationto the cloud-based communication system. Program code executing on aresource of the system will store the information on one or more memoryresources of this system and link it to the identifier. In this way,this information will be available for retrieval in case of anemergency.

As understood by one of skill in the art, this information can beobtained by the cloud-based communication system in a variety of ways.For example, at the point-of-sale, the purchaser of an SU may beprovided with secure login information that will enable this user toaccess one or more resources of the cloud-based communication systemusing a terminal connected to the Internet.

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud-computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a schematic of an example of a cloud-computingnode is shown. Cloud-computing node 10 is only one example of a suitablecloud-computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as tothe scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein. Regardless, cloud-computing node 10 is capable ofbeing implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forthhereinabove.

In cloud-computing node 10 there is a computer system/server 12, whichis operational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud-computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributedcloud-computing environments where tasks are performed by remoteprocessing devices that are linked through a communications network. Ina distributed cloud-computing environment, program modules may belocated in both local and remote computer system storage media includingmemory storage devices.

As shown in FIG. 11, computer system/server 12 in cloud-computing node10 is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. Thecomponents of computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limitedto, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28,and a bus 18 that couples various system components including systemmemory 28 to processor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnect (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output(I/O) interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 cancommunicate with one or more networks such as a local area network(LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g.,the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 viabus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardwareand/or software components could be used in conjunction with computersystem/server 12. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode,device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays,RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 12, illustrative cloud-computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, cloud-computing environment 50 comprises one or morecloud-computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C,and/or automobile computer system 54N may communicate. Nodes 10 maycommunicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physicallyor virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community,Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combinationthereof. This allows cloud-computing environment 50 to offerinfrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloudconsumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computingdevice. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shownin FIG. 12 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10 and cloud-computing environment 50 can communicate with any type ofcomputerized device over any type of network and/or network addressableconnection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now to FIG. 13, a set of functional abstraction layersprovided by cloud-computing environment 50 (FIG. 12) is shown. It shouldbe understood in advance that the components, layers, and functionsshown in FIG. 13 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments ofthe invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layersand corresponding functions are provided: Hardware and software layer 60includes hardware and software components. Examples of hardwarecomponents include mainframes; RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)architecture based servers; storage devices; networks and networkingcomponents. Examples of software components include network applicationserver software; and database software.

Virtualization layer 62 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers;virtual storage; virtual networks, including virtual private networks;virtual applications and operating systems; and virtual clients.

In one example, management layer 64 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning provides dynamic procurement of computingresources and other resources that are utilized to perform tasks withinthe cloud-computing environment. Metering and Pricing provide costtracking as resources that are utilized within the cloud-computingenvironment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may comprise applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.User portal provides access to the cloud-computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management providescloud-computing resource allocation and management such that requiredservice levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning andfulfillment provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of,cloud-computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipatedin accordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 66 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud-computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation; software development and lifecycle management; virtualclassroom education delivery; data analytics processing; transactionprocessing; and emergency search and rescue.

FIG. 14 is a diagram that is an example of a workflow 1400 of aspects ofan embodiment of the present invention of an exemplary system thatincludes aspects of embodiments of the present invention. In thisembodiment, program code executed by a processing resource of themicrocontroller in the SU obtains data from the transponder and/or thesensors (1410). Based on the data, the program code determines whetherthere is an emergency (1420).

As discussed earlier, in embodiments of the present invention, theprogram code can obtain this data either from a receiver in the SU,which received this information from an external device, such as thedisclosed helmet and/or karachute™, or from cycling passive sensors inthe SU and/or receiving indications from active sensors in the SU. Inembodiments that do not employ smart sensors, the program code executingon a microcontroller resource will determine that there is an emergencyupon receiving information from a transponder or sensors, based onapplying pre-configured thresholds to the data.

Based in the program code determining that there is an emergency, theprogram code obtains location information from the location device(1430) and a unique identifier from a memory resource in the SU (1440).The program code then utilizes the transponder to communicate thelocation information and the identifier to at least one terminal(accessed, for example, by an emergency responder), and to a cloud-basedcommunication system (1450). Program code executed by at least one cloudresource obtains the identifier and the location information andsupplements the information with additional identification details andsends this information to the terminal (1460).

Below, Example 1 is a recitation of an embodiment of at least one aspectof the present invention.

Example 1

Avalanche Ready (AvR) was conceptualized to develop an instantaneousalert system when a buried avalanche victim cannot volitionally alertsearch and rescue personnel of their accident and location. If a victimis rendered unconscious or physically trapped and buried by theavalanche, the AvR would be activated automatically to alert search andrescue personnel to the precise location of the victim using the mostcurrent sophisticated GPS systems available.

AvR is comprised of a sensory unit (SU) and GPS transponder (locationdevice). The SU is a device that is assembled in a ring-likeconfiguration and contains a series of interconnected pressure sensors.These sensors are aligned to correspond with each other and thus detectcircumferential pressure loads. Once a pre-determined pressure thresholdis achieved, the device automatically triggers the location device. Thispermits virtually instantaneous transmission of information to searchand rescue personnel and can effect an expeditious response and rescueefforts.

The SU component would be a slim and comfortable belt-like device thatwould be wrapped around the individual and be activated by anon-obtrusive fastening device (FD) (e.g., metals snaps+/−buckle). ThisFD would be designed to accommodate a tiny battery used to power the SU.The SU of the AvR alert system would also be equipped with amanually-operated button that could be activated by the surviving victimin the event that they are not incapacitated or unconscious.

We envision the AvR SU to be positioned circumferentially about thethoracic region of the body (i.e., chest) in order to detect extrinsicpressure loads placed on the chest that would compromise the ability ofthe victim to breathe.

The AvR SU will be shaped like a “belt”, which will be passed through aproprietary pocket-like lining or sleeve in the user's garment (e.g.,ski jacket).

Accordingly a small sample of combinations set forth in Example 1 arethe following:

A1. A method for alerting an emergency responder to an emergency, themethod comprising: obtaining, by a processor, data from at least onesensor; determining, by the processor, that the data indicates anemergency condition; based on the determining, obtaining, by theprocessor, location information; based on the determining, obtaining, bythe processor, a unique identifier; communicating, by the processor, thelocation information and the unique identifier to a node via a networkconnection.

A2. The method of A2, wherein the determining comprises applying, by theprocessor, at least one pre-configured threshold.

A 3. The method of A1, wherein the obtaining location informationcomprises obtaining the location information from a location device.

A4. The method of A2, wherein the location device comprises at least oneof: a GPS, or an accelerometer.

A5. The method of A1, wherein the obtaining of the unique identifiercomprises obtaining the unique identifier from a memory.

A6. The method of A1, wherein the node is a node on a computer network.

A7. The method of A6, wherein the computer network comprises acloud-based communication system comprising at least one processingresource and one memory resource.

A8. The method of A1, further comprising: communicating the locationinformation and the unique identifier to a terminal.

A9. The method of A1, further comprising: communicating the locationinformation and the unique identifier to a memory resource; andobtaining, from the memory resource, supplemental data based on theunique identifier.

A10. The method of A9, further comprising: communicating thesupplemental data to a terminal.

B1. A computer system for alerting an emergency responder to anemergency, the computer system comprising: a memory; a processor incommunications with the memory; a trigger in communication with theprocessor; a location device in communication with the processor; and atransponder in communication with the processor, wherein the computersystem is configured to perform a method, said method comprising:obtaining, by the processor, data from the trigger; determining, by theprocessor, that the data indicates an emergency condition; based on thedetermining, obtaining, by the processor, location information from thelocation device; based on the determining, obtaining, by the processor,a unique identifier from the memory; communicating, by the processor,the location information and the unique identifier to a node via anetwork connection via the transponder.

B2. The computer system B1, wherein the determining comprises applying,by the processor, at least one pre-configured threshold to evaluatewhether the data from the trigger exceeds the pre-configured threshold.

B3. The computer system of B1, further comprising a receiver incommunication with the processor, wherein the obtaining of the data fromthe trigger comprises receiving the data by the receiver.

B4. The computer system of B1, wherein the location device comprises atleast one of: a GPS, or an accelerometer.

B5. The computer system of B1, further comprising a plurality of sensorsin communication with the processor and wherein the trigger comprises apre-defined number of the plurality of sensors experiencing apre-defined threshold of pressure.

B6. The computer system of B1, wherein the trigger comprises amanually-operated button and wherein the obtaining comprises obtainingdata from the trigger based upon a pre-defined change in the position ofthe manually-operated button.

B7. The computer system of B1, wherein the node is in communication witha cloud-based communication system comprising at least one processingresource and one memory resource.

B8. The computer system of B1, the method further comprising:communicating the location information and the unique identifier to aterminal in communication with the node.

B9. The computer system of B1, the method further comprising:communicating the location information and the unique identifier to asecond memory resource; and obtaining, from the second memory resource,supplemental data based on the unique identifier.

B10. The computer system of B9, the method further comprising:communicating the supplemental data to a terminal in communication withthe node.

B11. The computer system of B10, further comprising: encrypting thesupplemental data.

B12. The computer system of B1, wherein the memory, processor, thelocation device, and the transponder comprise a wearable object.

B13. The computer system of B12, the wearable object further comprisinga power source.

B14. The computer system of B12, the wearable object further comprisinga plurality of sensors and the trigger, and wherein the triggercomprises a pre-defined number of the plurality of sensors experiencinga pre-defined threshold of pressure.

B15. The computer system of B1, further comprising a receiver, whereinthe trigger comprises a pre-defined number of the plurality of sensorslocated in a position external to the wearable object experiencing apre-defined threshold of pressure, wherein the trigger is configured tocommunicate with the processor via the receiver via a wirelesscommunication connection.

B16. The computer system of B12, wherein the wearable object is a belt.

B17. The computer system of B15, wherein the trigger is located on oneof: a helmet, or a karachute.

C1. A computer program for alerting an emergency responder to anemergency, the computer program product comprising: a computer readablestorage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructionsfor execution by the processing circuit for performing a methodcomprising: obtaining, by a processor, data from at least one sensor;determining, by the processor, that the data indicates an emergencycondition; based on the determining, obtaining, by the processor,location information; based on the determining, obtaining, by theprocessor, a unique identifier; communicating, by the processor, thelocation information and the unique identifier to a node via a networkconnection.

C2. The computer program of C1, wherein the determining comprisesapplying, by the processor, at least one pre-configured threshold.

C3. The computer program of C1, wherein the obtaining locationinformation comprises obtaining the location information from a locationdevice.

C4. The computer program of C2, wherein the location device comprises atleast one of: a GPS, or an accelerometer.

C5. The computer program of C1, wherein the obtaining of the uniqueidentifier comprises obtaining the unique identifier from a memoryresource.

C6. The computer program of C1, the method further comprising:communicating the location information and the unique identifier to aterminal; communicating the location information and the uniqueidentifier to a memory resource; obtaining, from the memory resource,supplemental data based on the unique identifier; and communicating thesupplemental data to a terminal.

D1. A wearable emergency alert apparatus, comprising: a memoryconfigured to store a unique identifier; a processor in communicationwith the memory; a trigger in communication with the processor; alocation device in communication with the processor; and a transponderin communication with the processor, wherein the wearable emergencyalert apparatus is configured to perform a method, said methodcomprising: obtaining, by the processor, data from the trigger;determining, by the processor, that the data indicates an emergencycondition; based on the determining, obtaining, by the processor,location information from the location device; based on the determining,obtaining, by the processor, the unique identifier from the memory;communicating, by the processor, the location information and the uniqueidentifier to a node via a network connection via the transponder.

D2. The wearable emergency apparatus of D1, wherein the wearableemergency apparatus comprises a belt.

D3. The wearable emergency apparatus of D1, wherein the determiningcomprises applying, by the processor, at least one pre-configuredthreshold to evaluate whether the data from the trigger exceeds thepre-configured threshold.

D4. The wearable emergency apparatus of D1, wherein the location devicecomprises at least one of: a GPS, or an accelerometer.

D5. The wearable emergency apparatus of D1, further comprising areceiver in communication with the processor, wherein the obtaining ofthe data from the trigger comprises receiving the data by the receiver.

D6. The wearable emergency apparatus of D1, further comprising aplurality of sensors in communication with the processor and wherein thetrigger comprises a pre-defined number of the plurality of sensorsexperiencing a pre-defined threshold of pressure.

D7. The wearable emergency apparatus of D1, wherein the triggercomprises a button and wherein the obtaining comprises obtaining datafrom the trigger based upon a pre-defined change in the position of themanually-operated button.

D8. The wearable emergency apparatus of D1, further comprising areceiver, wherein the trigger comprises a pre-defined number of theplurality of sensors located in a position external to the wearableobject experiencing a pre-defined threshold of pressure, wherein thetrigger is configured to communicate with the processor via the receivervia a wireless communication connection.

D9. The wearable emergency apparatus of D1, wherein the trigger islocated on one of: a helmet, or a karachute.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the descriptions below, if any,are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performingthe function in combination with other elements as specifically noted.The description of the technique has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A wearable emergency alert apparatus, comprising: a memory configuredto store a unique identifier; a processor in communication with thememory; a plurality of sensors in communication with the processor; alocation device in communication with the processor; a receiver incommunication with the processor; and a transponder in communicationwith the processor, wherein the wearable emergency alert apparatus isconfigured to perform a method, the method comprising: obtaining, viathe receiver, by the processor, data from a trigger, wherein the triggercomprises a pre-defined number of the plurality of sensors experiencinga pre-defined threshold of pressure; determining, by the processor, thatthe data indicates an emergency condition; based on the determining,obtaining, by the processor, location information from the locationdevice; based on the determining, obtaining, by the processor, theunique identifier from the memory; communicating, by the processor, thelocation information and the unique identifier to a node via a networkconnection by accessing the transponder, wherein the unique identifieris subsequently communicated to a second memory resource, which respondsby providing supplemental data, based on the unique identifier, and thesupplemental data is communicated to a terminal in communication withthe node.
 2. The wearable emergency apparatus of claim 1, wherein thewearable emergency apparatus comprises a belt.
 3. The wearable emergencyapparatus of claim 1, wherein the determining comprises applying, by theprocessor, at least one pre-configured threshold to evaluate whether thedata from the trigger exceeds the pre-configured threshold.
 4. Thewearable emergency apparatus of claim 1, wherein the location devicecomprises at least one of: a GPS, or an accelerometer.
 5. The wearableemergency apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pre-defined number of theplurality of sensors are located in a position external to the wearableobject experiencing a pre-defined threshold of pressure, wherein thetrigger is configured to communicate with the processor via the receivervia a wireless communication connection.
 6. The wearable emergencyapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power source.
 7. The wearableemergency apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a port adjacent tothe power source so that the power source can be charged by connecting acharging cable to the port.
 8. The wearable emergency apparatus of claim6, further comprising a display oriented on an outside surface of theapparatus, wherein the display is configured to display the power levelof the power source.
 9. A wearable emergency alert apparatus,comprising: a memory configured to store a unique identifier; aprocessor in communication with the memory; a button in communicationwith the processor; a location device in communication with theprocessor; a receiver in communication with the processor, wherein theobtaining of the data from the trigger comprises receiving the data bythe receiver; and a transponder in communication with the processor,wherein the wearable emergency alert apparatus is configured to performa method, the method comprising: obtaining, via the receiver, by theprocessor, data from a trigger, wherein the trigger comprising apre-defined change in position of the button; determining, by theprocessor, that the data indicates an emergency condition; based on thedetermining, obtaining, by the processor, location information from thelocation device; based on the determining, obtaining, by the processor,the unique identifier from the memory; and communicating, by theprocessor, the location information and the unique identifier to a nodevia a network connection by accessing the transponder, wherein theunique identifier is subsequently communicated to a second memoryresource, which responds by providing supplemental data, based on theunique identifier, and the supplemental data is communicated to aterminal in communication with the node.
 10. The wearable emergencyapparatus of claim 9, wherein the button is located in a positionexternal to the wearable object experiencing a pre-defined threshold ofpressure, wherein the trigger is configured to communicate with theprocessor via the receiver via a wireless communication connection. 11.The wearable emergency apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a powersource;
 12. The wearable emergency apparatus of claim 11, furthercomprising a port adjacent to the power source so that the power sourcecan be charged by connecting a charging cable to the port.
 13. Thewearable emergency apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a displayoriented on an outside surface of the apparatus, wherein the display isconfigured to display the power level of the power source.
 14. Thewearable emergency apparatus of claim 9, wherein the location devicecomprises at least one of: a GPS, or an accelerometer.
 15. The wearableemergency apparatus of claim 9, wherein the wearable emergency apparatuscomprises a belt.
 16. A method of utilizing a wearable emergency alertapparatus, comprising: wearing the wearable emergency alert apparatus bya person such that a trigger on the wearable emergency alert apparatusis located in a position external to the wearable apparatus capable ofexperiencing a pre-defined condition indicating an emergency situation,and wherein the trigger is configured to communicate with a processor inthe wearable emergency alert apparatus via a receiver in the wearableemergency alert apparatus, the wearable emergency alert apparatusfurther comprising: a memory in communication with the processorconfigured to store a unique identifier; a location device incommunication with the processor; and a transponder in communicationwith the processor, experiencing, by the trigger, the pre-definedcondition indicating the emergency situation; based on experiencing thepredefined emergency situation, the trigger communicating data to theprocessor via the receiver via a wireless communication connection andresponsive to the communicating; obtaining, by the processor, locationinformation from the location device and the unique identifier from thememory; and communicating, by the processor, the location informationand the unique identifier to a node via a network connection byaccessing the transponder, wherein the unique identifier is subsequentlycommunicated to a second memory resource, which responds by providingsupplemental data, based on the unique identifier, and the supplementaldata is communicated to a terminal in communication with the node. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein the trigger comprises a button and thepre-defined condition indicating the emergency situation comprises apre-defined change in position of the button.
 18. The method of claim16, wherein the trigger comprises a plurality of sensors and thepre-defined condition indicating the emergency situation comprises apre-defined number of the plurality of sensors experiencing apre-defined threshold of pressure
 19. The method of claim 16, whereinthe experiencing, the pre-defined condition indicating the emergencysituation comprises receiving an input from the trigger based on theperson manually adjusting the trigger.
 20. The method of claim 16,wherein the wearable emergency apparatus comprises a belt.